Entry Word: simplicity

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the quality or state of having a form or structure of few parts or elements <the simplicity of this machine should enable everyone to learn how to use it>

Synonyms plainness, unsophistication

Related Words homogeneity, unity

Antonyms complexity, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, sophistication

2 clearness of expression <the simplicity of this poem is beautiful>

Synonyms clarity, explicitness, lucidity, lucidness, perspicuity, perspicuousness

Related Words incisiveness, directness, forthrightness, openness, straightforwardness

Near Antonyms ambiguity, equivocalness; incomprehensibility, unintelligibility; circuitousness, deviousness, indirectness, indistinctness; dimness, disjointedness, incoherence; faintness, fuzziness, muddiness, nebulousness, vagueness

Antonyms obscurity

3 lack of good sense or judgment <the stupefying simplicity of the generals who thought that war would be over in a month!> — see foolishness 1
4 the quality or state of being simple and sincere <answered the judgeʼs questions with childlike simplicity> — see naïveté 1